Griffin

The Griffin (pers. " Homa ", Latin gryphus, this γρυπός from ancient Greek γρῦψ, Gen -. Gryps, Grypus ) is a polymer formed from animal carcasses, mythical hybrid creature.

History

The griffin is a creature of Persian mythology. In Egypt, the Egyptian Cross in mythology has been described since the end of the fourth millennium BC as a creature of heaven, which was closely associated with the sun. In Syria, the grip was the first time in the second millennium BC mention. The occurring in Mesopotamian mythology is gripping the other hand is only since about 1400 BC.

The Sumer in the grip similar appearing hybrids are called lion - griffins. It should be here seems to be a precursor to this and resigned from the Akkadian period (2340 BC ) to the beginning of the Neo-Babylonian Empire (626 BC) in appearance. There are controversial interpretations, according to which the Apkallu, Sumerian demigods said to have been gripping.

From Greek mythology, the poem Arimaspeia is narrated by Aristeas, in which the gripping guarded in India and the mountains Riphäischen the gold mines against the Arimaspen. Other sources name the place as lying behind the land of the Scythians. Aeschylus makes the Okeanos ride on him and stretch him from his car.

Representation

The griffin is usually represented as a lion, carrying the head of a bird of prey and bird wings on her back. He should be about 60 years old. In Sumer the gripping similar hybrid creatures, the lion - griffins, which have distinct similarities with dragon appear. In ancient Egypt, different descriptions are known, but these are the current representations closer than that of the Sumerians. However, there are different representations, where, for example, an additional human head between the wings is on the back.

Other alternative representations can be found at the gates of Persepolis and the Persian and Babylonian wallpaper, continue on helmets, for example on the Athena Parthenos of Phidias, breastplates and also on coins, for example, those of Opus, Teos, Abdera and as arabesques, especially on Roman columns, and as acroteria on temples.

In ancient times, the grip was a symbol sharp -sighted wisdom and Sehertums and is therefore attribute of Apollo.

In the Middle Ages people believed in the presence of the griffin and led him to the bestiaries, the natural histories of the animal kingdom. He found in the ornamentation, especially in the textile industry, many uses and was very popular in the decorative sculpture of the Renaissance.

In the Swiss German ( Aargau dialect) traditional fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm The griffin pulls the hero Hans Christians eating " Vogelgrif " a feather from the tail. In another Grimm's fairy tale, The Singing soaring lark, the Griffin dwells on the Red Sea.

The so-called "grasping eggs " that occur in the inventories of medieval and later church treasures and royal treasuries, are broader than trophies ostrich eggs.

Possible origins of the myth

There are suspicions that in ancient nomads ( Scythians ) in gold mining in the vast deserts of Central Asia finds of fossils of Protoceratops made ​​, a frequently occurring in the Cretaceous Archosauriers. These findings, which still today in the Gobi desert at the edge of the Altai Mountains: are ( Mongolian " Golden Mountains " ) in remarkable state of preservation, could have (originally here as a gold guard ) led to the myth of the griffin. Protoceratops had a large beak and a body reminiscent of that of a lion. The neck plate could have been mistaken for wings. Likewise, there are numerous finds of dinosaur eggs, it was said, in the past, such as the grasping fiercely guarded their lined on the bottom with gold nests. Probably came the tales of the Cross by dealers on the caravan routes from China to the west direction.

Symbolism

In Christianity, the grip does not play a minor role, but is nevertheless a positive connotation. So he used in his summation of the positive attributes as a metaphor for Jesus Christ. Two appearing in the Physiologus griffins be interpreted as Maria and Michael. He was often used because of its strength and ability to overcome especially basilisk as a protective symbol. However, he is due to the legends surrounding the gold hoarding for pride and greed.

Heraldry

In heraldry the Cross is, as the lion, as an emblem in the series of common figures.

Order

In the diary of Dietrich of shafts on the pilgrimages of the Landgrave William of Hesse 1491, Order of the Griffon or Arragonische Can Order was mentioned. This order was granted by King Ferdinand I of Naples, the noble traveler. The well-known poet Oswald von Wolkenstein was bearer of this Order, which was awarded to him in 1415. The Order was founded in 1410 by Ferdinand of Castile and named after the pot or vase with three lilies ( as an image of purity of the Mother of God ), which could form a chain from which hung a grip.

1884 donated the Grand Duke Friedrich Franz III. the Mecklenburg Order of the Griffon as an award in five degrees.

Reception

In Klein Basel ( right of the Rhine part of Basel ) a " Vogel Gryff " is in January celebrated called popular feast, in which the three heraldic figures Touch ( Gryff ), Wild Man (Wild Maa ) and Leo (Leu ) roam the neighborhoods and perform traditional dances. The custom goes back to military surveys of the Middle Ages. A distinguishing feature of the migrant bird movement of the early 20th century is the wanderer Griffin. In pen -and- paper role-playing game The Dark Eye gryphons are sacred and represent truth, law and rule. The carmaker Saab Automobile, Vauxhall Motors and Gumpert sports car manufacturer put on the symbolism of the power of grasping and use it as a logo. The Cotta publishing house and published by CH Beck use this symbol.

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